We’ve all had breast reductions - happy to help

[Madagascary]

Setting up as thread 2 is now full here

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/AMA/4876452-weve-had-breast-reductions-ask-us-anything?reply=134967968

props to @bigtitsbettyforgotherpassword And all who contribute.

V pillow

never needed a basket

Button through pyjamas.

I am in love with my V shaped pillow. Not just for sleeping but because I've been most comfortable reclining all day, so have been mostly in bed!

Several pairs of button down pyjamas because washing yourself is a little tricky so it's nice to have fresh PJs every day. In hindsight I wish I'd bought a couple of button down tops for when I was ready to venture out of bed. Getting my arms above my head is still a bit of a struggle (2 weeks in), so I would have liked tops which button or zip at the front. Having been big boobed I don't own any of those!

I'm glad I had a couple of styles of bra. I got the Asda ones and the M&S ones. I've found that they all touch my boobs in different places, so it's nice to be able to have options when one starts to feel irritating against my skin. This might just be me though.

Doing my hair is still not possible, so I wish I'd taught my husband to do hair before the op! And I'd have bought some dry shampoo.

Other than that, plenty of easy snacks you can keep by the bed (grapes were good for me) and stuff to keep you moving like prune juice.

Good luck!

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions 👍🏻

Not to buy but try and think ahead of things you may need on high shelves/rails and keep them in reach. That was something I found frustrating in the early days to have to keep asking or wait for people to be free to help.

I have read all 3 threads and want to thank everyone for sharing their journeys to smaller breasts and experiences post surgery.

I am 14 days post surgery and the transformation (to me) is incredible. So far recovery has been easy and I am just so pleased I decided to get it done.

Welcome !
was just saying to my husband this very evening that just under two years on every single day I thank God I had it done, and he agrees the transformation in me is ace

I agree with all of this, but also who cares about your hair if you’re not at work getting someone to wash every couple of days is fine

Yes, yes. yes to the huge pillow it is the most comfortable thing ever!

Now only six days away. Starting to feel nervous. Can’t wait for it to be over and for there to be no issues. Have every faith in my surgeon but I’m a mum and we naturally worry.
I’ve got 10 days off work, hoping that’s enough. My job is not strenuous and I work part time so hopefully manageable 🤞🏻

Hope those that have had the op recently are recovering well.

I am post op 4 weeks tomorrow. The recovery so far has been a breeze tbh.

I went to surgery with a 10 yr old at home and had a tiny wobble about choosing to do it rather than needing. But it was fleeting and they were cheering me on anyway!

I can honestly say I have had zero regret and am over the mood with the results.

Put your faith in your surgeon and the subsequent process.

You will feel tired and tender still at 10 days but given it is only part time you will manage. As long as you are resting around those work hours, eating well and generally taking good self care, you will be fine.

@Leonoranobra glad your recovery is going well and pleased to hear you have no regrets.
Feeling less wobbly today, trying to keep busy and not think about it too much. Like you say when surgery is a choice rather than a requirement, as a mum, you do question if it’s the right thing. But a happy mum = happy children.

Anyone else due to have their op soon?

I had my pre op appointment with nurse last week. She said that my surgeon uses the more unusual approach of taping the full breast. A quick google tells me that’s the “paper mache” approach. Has anyone had this and if so does it greatly increase the itch? She mentioned the need for anti histamines in the same breath which makes me think it might. Apparently it stays on for three weeks with only the nipple showing.
I react to most anti histamines in that they make me high instead of drowsy and I can’t sleep if I take them. It’s a thing apparently..so I don’t really want to have unbearable full breast itch for three weeks - though of course I know it’ll be worth it in the end
Any thoughts?

Mine is scheduled for this Thursday!

I’m not anxious, just want to get it over and done with now.

But I did a 3 hour round trip this morning just for them to struggle to get any blood out of me (I have rubbish veins!).

I am booked off work from Thursday and not back until 11th.

And I start my daily showering in special show gel from today.

Mine were fully taped from memory. A little itchy at times but not unbearable.

I am booked in for mid November and also starting to get a bit nervous. We have a big family party two weeks after so hoping I can manage that if I mostly sit down... planning to take it very easy after the operation but my 3 year old is the concern here and how much he will not climb on me!

Tips from others with young kids for recovery??

Thanks @Summerdew thats good to hear

@Blimmingboobs my op is also on Thursday. What special shower gel have you been given? I’ve not been given anything like that. Had an appointment 10 days ago when they took bloods, did blood pressure, mrsa swabs, weight and height. Back again on Tuesday for more bloods and to check my blood pressure, which was slightly low last time.
Need to be there for 7am. Op is booked in for the morning, overnight stay and then home on Friday. What about you?

@starsinyourpies happy to report back how recovery is going. I’m due back at work 10 days after my surgery so will let you know how that goes and will hopefully give you an idea of how you might feel for your family party.
My kids are a little bit older so no advice there. Although, at bedtime this evening my 9 year old was leaning her head on my chest (as she always does) as I read her a story and it did make me think how will I get round this in a few days time. My children don’t know about the surgery. I’ve told them I’m going to a spa and will claim I’ve hurt myself while there which is why I need to rest!!!

I never did special showering

id not lie to your kids like that tbh. It will be a hassle and they’re probably not that bothered by the op. The erosion of trust would annoy them more

id say you need a benign cyst removing. Much easier. Then if and when older tell them

Mine were taped in a triangle around the nipple and under the cup. Really wasn’t a thing.

Hi all, oh OK the shower gel I have been given is called octenisan. It’s a decontamination liquid which removes things like MRSA I believe.

I have been told to use it for 5 days but not sure if I continue with it afterwards.

I was a bit concerned how harsh it might be in my hair/skin but it’s actually fine.

Weird.

im on holiday closely examining the women who’d want a reduction. Awful guilt. Also assessing whose boobs are like mine were

I’m worse! I just interviewed someone and genuinely thought I hope my boobs look like yours one day… mortified